Child star, U.S. Ambassador Shirley Temple Black dies at California Home

Shirley Temple Black, one of the most popular child movie stars of all time died in her Northern California home last night. She was 85. No cause of death has been reported.

From 1935 through 1938, Temple was the top box-office draw in the nation. She made more than 40 movies before she turned 12. After a hugely successful film career that lasted into her early teens, Temple became involved in politics, serving as a U.S. Ambassador to several countries under several Presidents.

Temple counted fellow actor and former U.S. President Ronald Reagan as a close friend and was a frequent visitor to the Reagan White House.

Temple's early success as the nation's top box-office draw reportedly saved film studio 20th Century Fox from bankruptcy.